The Engineering Talent Podcast

After four years away from engineering and being forced to leave Ukraine with her two children, Anna Shkurba faced the challenge of rebuilding both her life and career in the UK. In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Anna joins Fayon Dixon to share her journey back into the profession, from repeated job rejections and doubts about whether her international experience would be recognised, to finding an opportunity through the STEM Returners programme and becoming a Senior Public Health Engineer at Jacobs. She reflects on confidence, language, belonging and the importance of taking small steps forward, while sharing what she has learned about recognising your own experience and believing that you still belong in engineering.

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Fayon Dixon speaks with Panxin West about her journey from wanting to become a chef to building a career in nuclear engineering through an apprenticeship at Rolls-Royce SMR. Panxin reflects on the rejections and self-doubt she faced along the way, the confidence she gained through work and life experience, and why she believes young people should avoid comparing their journey to others. She also shares what motivates her to give back as a STEM ambassador and mentor, helping to challenge misconceptions about engineering and become the kind of role model she wishes she had when she was younger.

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Fayon Dixon speaks with Julia Barr about building a successful career in commercial management while balancing family life, flexible working and the realities of being part of a military family. Julia shares how her career developed from support roles into nuclear projects, why adaptability and relationship-building have been central to her progression, and how flexible working has enabled her to keep growing professionally without missing the moments that matter at home. She also discusses the transferable skills parents and military partners bring to the workplace, the importance of knowing your value, and why the right employer should recognise what people can contribute beyond a traditional way of working.

Space software engineer and PhD researcher Beth Probert joins Fayon Dixon to share the unconventional journey that took her from astrophysics and accountancy to software engineering and satellite research. Beth talks about following a childhood dream of working in space, why careers do not have to follow a straight line, and the importance of being willing to “rock the boat” and bring your authentic self to work. She also explores her research into decentralised satellite networks, the real-world impact of space technology, her passion for inspiring the next generation into STEM, and what it was like helping to rewrite the rules of football for the Moon.

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Fayon Dixon speaks with Animesh Anand about breaking down barriers for disabled and neurodivergent talent in engineering. Animesh shares how his own experiences shaped his advocacy, why asking for support should be seen as a strength, and how inclusive design benefits everyone. From education and workplace culture to representation, retention and burnout, this conversation explores what it really takes to create engineering environments where people are supported to contribute, develop and thrive.

Brogan MacDonald was once told that engineering was not for her. Now an award-winning structural engineer and sustainability leader, she is helping to reshape what the profession can look like. In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Brogan joins Fayon Dixon to discuss overcoming setbacks, finding the right way to learn, creating space for failure and why the future of engineering will depend as much on empathy, communication and human judgement as technical ability. She also reflects on the culture changes needed to bring more women into engineering and the importance of challenging systems rather than expecting people to simply fit into them.

At just 19, Yanmi Orebowale is already building an impressive career across technology, engineering and apprenticeships. In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Yanmi joins Fayon Dixon to reflect on choosing a degree apprenticeship, learning from placements with EA, Mastercard and Bloomberg, overcoming imposter syndrome and stepping outside his comfort zone. He also shares how basketball coaching, public speaking and representation have shaped his approach to leadership, and why he is passionate about helping more young people see a future for themselves in engineering and technology.

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Fayon Dixon speaks with Blossom Olisemeke, a final year civil engineering student whose journey spans bridge building, capital markets and a powerful commitment to opening doors for others. Blossom shares what drew her into engineering, why tangible impact keeps her rooted in the sector, and how her experiences as a Black woman in civil engineering have shaped her confidence, resilience and sense of purpose. From construction sites and internships to mentoring, representation and decolonising the engineering curriculum, this conversation explores what it means to refuse to be boxed in and to build a career that makes space for others to follow.

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Fayon Dixon speaks with Nadia Kanyike, a planning engineer working across major UK nuclear infrastructure programmes, about building a career that has been anything but linear. Nadia shares how a business management degree led her into engineering, the realities of being a Black woman in nuclear, and why representation must go beyond visibility to real change inside companies. From mentoring young people and supporting STEM outreach to her ambition of building STEM opportunities in Uganda, Nadia’s story is a reminder that you do not need to come from a traditional engineering background to belong, contribute, and hold the door open for others.

In this episode of the Engineering Talent Podcast, Fayon Dixon speaks with biomedical engineer Melissa-Sue Anderson about finding her voice, building confidence, and creating technology with real human impact. From growing up in Jamaica to working on medical devices that support cancer treatment, Melissa-Sue shares her journey into engineering, the importance of mentorship and self-validation, and why diversity efforts must focus not just on attracting talent, but creating environments where people can stay and thrive.